Valladolid breathes history. This is the place where King Felipe II was born, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel were married, and Christopher Columbus died. This was once the capital of Spain, and although it has lost this title, it's still the principal city of Castilla y Leon, the land of castles from which the word ‘Castilian’ is derived. Today, Valladolid is a bustling university city that thrives on its manufacturing industries. It is a down-to-earth, lively place that blends the old with the energetic new.

With a skyline dominated by the imposing Špilberk Castle and the soaring twin spires of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, Brno has an attractive and historic city centre. The name, Brno, might sound like a crossword anagram, but the Czech Republic's second-largest city and capital of Moravia is a vibrant, yet traditional place. Brno boasts stunning architecture, great museums, a crypt, a gorgeous lake–just a tram ride away–and an exciting, beer-filled bar scene without heaving crowds.

Melbourne is an artistic powerhouse with a vibrant and multicultural soul. Nicknamed "Paris of the southern hemisphere", Melbourne is not only known to be Australia’s cultural hotspot, but is also famous for its major sporting events and its culinary delights from all across the world. With its high-rise city centre and far-reaching suburbs, it is hard not to be dragged in by the life of the capital of Victoria, but day trips to the wild nature of the state are also extremely attractive.

The 6th largest city of Portugal, known for its wine and amazing weather, Funchal is more than just the hometown of Cristiano Ronaldo. The city is filled with historical buildings, fantastic cuisine and surrounded by truly spectacular nature of the Madeira archipelago. Make sure to taste the famous Madeira wine and pastel de nata.

Long known for its old-world charm, from the historic Faneuil Hall to the Freedom Trail that celebrates Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, Boston has come a long way towards staking its claim in the 21st century. With the completion of the “Big Dig” that buried Boston’s vast network of highways underground, Boston has hit the new century running. Attractions span beautiful public libraries, fascinating museums and plenty of sports. Boston is destined to grow ever more beautiful as more and more of the ungainly elevated highways are replaced with lush parks.